Sony has announced a new "stacked" backlit CMOS sensor for use in mobile phones and other compact devices.

It also uses a new RGBW coding method that adds a white pixel to the sensor, instead of the normal Red Green Blue (RGB), it now collects Red Green Blue White (RGBW) giving enhanced low light performance. The example shown above has been provided by Sony. While Sony has said that the use of a White pixel could cause a degredation in image quality, due to using a stacked CMOS sensor they say that they have been able to counter it due to more sensitive pixels.

The sensor also moves the circuit section to the lower layer allowing the light detecting section to collect more light as the circuitry has been moved out of the way, as shown below. Sony has developed a new HDR movie mode that combines two exposures for great dynamic range, an example is available on the Sony website. The new sensors are expected to become available to manufacturers from March in 8 megapixel and 13 megapixel versions.

Comments

Wow, Super ISO from a mobile phone, I can't wait for the night vision version.
Good used of the conceptional image to show the respective surface areas previously also used for circuits and spacing now freed up for larger pixel sites.

Wow, Super ISO from a mobile phone, I can't wait for the night vision version.

Good used of the conceptional image to show the respective surface areas previously also used for circuits and spacing now freed up for larger pixel sites.

Never mind those damned new-fangled mobile thingies, when's it going to be in a d-slr/t? now that [i]would [/i]be an exciting prospect. If they can give that sort of performance on a tiny mobile device cell, just think what's possible on something with a decent sized sensor.

Never mind those damned new-fangled mobile thingies, when's it going to be in a d-slr/t? now that would be an exciting prospect. If they can give that sort of performance on a tiny mobile device cell, just think what's possible on something with a decent sized sensor.

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